Terminal Power Management via Dual Communication Block Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for a method and device to efficiently manage power consumption in mobile communication terminals, particularly in scenarios where they need to operate in multiple communication modes and adapt to different situations, such as low battery levels or out-of-coverage situations, to ensure smooth service provision and extended battery life.

Innovation Solution

A mobile communication terminal is equipped with both a high-speed communication block (HSCB) and a low-power low-speed communication block (LPCB), controlled by a controller that switches between modes based on battery status and user settings, allowing the terminal to operate in low-power mode for extended battery life and switch to high-speed mode as needed for data communication.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If the terminal operates in high-speed communication mode continuously, then data communication performance is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata communication speedVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The terminal dynamically switches between high-speed communication mode and low-power mode based on real-time detection of downlink data availability. The controller monitors whether downlink data is received and switches operational modes accordingly, making the system adaptive to changing conditions rather than fixed in a single state

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the operational parameters of the communication block by switching between two distinct modes: high-speed mode for active data transmission and low-power mode for standby or minimal operation. This parameter change allows the terminal to optimize both speed and power consumption based on actual communication needs

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Use of energy by moving object

If the terminal switches frequently between high-speed and low-power modes, then power consumption is reduced, but communication latency increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidcommunication latency
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The terminal performs preliminary actions by maintaining the high-speed communication block in a ready state and pre-configuring the switching mechanism. When downlink data becomes available, the terminal can quickly switch to high-speed mode without significant delay, as the switching logic and hardware pathways are prepared in advance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If the terminal uses only high-speed communication block, then communication reliability is maintained, but battery life decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoidbattery life
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The communication system is segmented into two functional blocks: a high-speed communication block for maintaining communication reliability during active use, and a low-power communication block for extending battery life during standby or low-activity periods. Each block serves its specific function, and the controller coordinates their usage to balance reliability and battery life

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The terminal achieves multi-functionality by integrating both high-speed and low-power communication capabilities into a single device. The controller manages both blocks to provide universal communication service that adapts to different scenarios, ensuring both reliable data transmission and extended battery life are achievable

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Duration of action of moving object

If the terminal operates in low-power mode continuously, then battery life is extended, but data communication capability is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery lifeVSAvoiddata communication capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The terminal dynamically adjusts its operational state based on real-time conditions. The controller continuously monitors downlink data availability and switches between low-power mode (for extended battery life) and high-speed mode (for maintained data communication capability), making the system flexible rather than fixed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The terminal performs self-service by autonomously detecting downlink data availability and making switching decisions without external intervention. The controller monitors the communication state and automatically activates the appropriate mode, enabling the system to manage its own performance and power consumption

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3474608B1Method and device for controlling state of terminal in mobile communication system
Publication Date: 2023.08.30 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3474608B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3474608B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3474608B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a communication technique for convergence of a 5G communication system for supporting a higher data transmission rate beyond a 4G system with an IoT technology, and a system therefor. The present disclosure can be applied to an intelligent service (for example, a smart home, a smart building, a smart city, a smart car or connected car, health care, digital education, retail business, security and safety-related service, etc.) on the basis of a 5G communication technology and an IoT-related technology. A communication method of a terminal in a mobile communication system according to an embodiment of the present specification comprises the steps of: acquiring cell-related information corresponding to a first communication mode; acquiring cell-related information corresponding to a second communication mode; receiving a first message through the second communication mode; and transmitting a request message corresponding to the first communication mode on the basis of the first message.